Be sure to cash in on Kassar

Tips: Charlton’s charge backed to take switch to handicap ranks in his stride

KASSAR is well worth following as he sets out on a new path in the Smarkets Handicap at Sandown.

This son of Exceed And Excel has done all his racing in novice company so far, but Roger Charlton now switches his attention to the handicap sphere.

Kassar lines up on a mark of 84, which looks a reasonable perch given the ability shown in his three starts.

Winner of one of his two juvenile outings last term, Kassar had to concede weight to all but one of his rivals on his seasonal bow at Windsor and it is to his credit he was only beaten a length and a quarter in fourth.

He may well have finished second but for hanging in the closing stages, so that performance can be slightly upgraded again.

ARCH GOLD also moves to the handicap ranks and he should also be followed as he makes the long trip south for Mark Johnston.

He has yet to get his head in front in three starts but has not been disgraced, with a recent three-quarter length third a pleasing effort on his first foray over 10 furlongs.

Arch Gold was having his first run for five months that day so some progress is expected and this kind of middle distance now looks ideal.

DAWAALEEB was a comfortable winner of what appeared to be a competitive Beverley handicap last time out and can go in again in the Weatherbys General Stud Book Handicap at Ripon.

Trainer Les Eyre has set his sights on the John Smith’s Cup with this runner, so he will surely be searching out the best winning opportunities in an effort to raise that all-important handicap mark to get a run on the Knavesmire.

SELECTIONS

RIPON: 2.10 Yellow Fire, 2.40 Atticus Boy, 3.10 Mikmak, 3.40 Dawaaleeb, 4.10 Daffy Jane, 4.40 Good Boy Alfie, 5.10 Regal Mirage.

SANDOWN: 5.55 Time For Bed, 6.25 Manor Park, 7.00 KASSAR (NAP), 7.35 Arch Gold, 8.05 Elwazir, 8.40 Fondest.

DOUBLE: Kassar and Dawaaleeb.

Roger Charlton: trains Kassar.